DNA Welcomes Back Former Teammate
DNA Genetics is excited to welcome Lambert Houwen back to the team. Lambert brings 30 years of combined experience and industry knowledge to help producers improve their production. He will cover the Manitoba region and help expand DNA Genetics’ reach and customer relationships.
At DNA Genetics, we keep our eyes on the future, and our roots firmly planted in real-world commercial production. See how years of North American innovation and technological advancements can solidify your farm’s success by speaking with Lambert today. •
Ag Showcase A Success
Lethbridges’ Ag Showcase was a success this year. Alberta Pork provided some recipe cards and informational workbooks available for people to interact with along with the video display for people to really make the connection to see how a modern-day operation is working day-to-day!
They had a steady increase in attendees over the five days and saw over 2,000 attendees as well as were featured on CTV News to promote the showcase and the ability for the public to come and learn more about agriculture. They are excited to continue growing these events and would like to welcome Alberta Pork to be part of our upcoming events as well. •
Canadian Succession Plan Wins International Award
A farm succession planning guide developed hy Wellington County has won the award of excellence in innovation from the International Economic Development Council.
Justine Daynard, leader of the project, said the idea came from looking at Statistics Canada data about the age profile of farmers in Wellington County and the province.
Many have not developed a comprehensive plan for what usually is a very personal, emotional, complex and detailed challenge.
It goes far beyond considering whether a family member will inherit the farm or if it will be sold to someone who respects the land and community.
Finances are important, including taxes.
Today’s farming operations are larger than a generation ago, the finances are more complicated and a lot of people and businesses can be involved. For example, there could be written or hand-shake agreements for land rental, hired workers, equipment rentals or custom-operator contracts and sales commitments.
The process typically takes three to five years, Daynard said.
Wellington County farmers immediately responded when workshops were first offered two years ago. Two workshops were fully subscribed and all 250 copies originally printed were snapped up. More than 1,000 visitors have checked out the on-line website.
Daynard and her team have now developed a “white label” plan that other municipalities can adapt to their unique situations.
People from other nations have also expressed an interest in using the plan for their farmers. •
Jefo Foundation Becomes a Registered Charity
Jefo Foundation, committed since 2015 to supporting the next generation in agriculture and agri-food, is proud to announce that it has officially obtained registered charity status from the Canada Revenue Agency. This recognition now allows the Foundation to issue official donation receipts for eligible contributions.
With this new status, the Jefo Foundation is taking a significant step toward establishing a lasting presence within Canada’s philanthropic landscape. By now offering tax benefits to donors, it is expanding its reach and providing individuals and organizations wishing to support its mission with an additional incentive to contribute.
Greater Benefits for the Agricultural Sector
Registered charity status opens new funding opportunities for Jefo Foundation. Every additional contribution will help sustain and expand the initiatives it carries out through its Jefo Education and Jefo Ingenuity programs.
The Jefo Education program supports young people at various stages of their journey. It introduces them to agriculture as early as elementary school, supports college and university students through scholarships, and fosters the knowledge and skills they need to enter the sector.
The Jefo Ingenuity program supports university research and initiatives that contribute to the development of new technologies and practical solutions for sustainable agriculture. The range of projects supported reflects the breadth of the issues addressed and the commitment to generating tangible benefits for the industry.
True to the Jefo Spirit
Since its beginnings, Jefo has placed people, innovation and social responsibility at the heart of its priorities. Jefo Foundation carries this commitment forward by encouraging the development of the next generation in agriculture through financial support within their academic and social environments, while helping them become part of a local and international professional network. This new milestone will strengthen that commitment and enhance the Foundation’s ability to make a tangible difference where needs are greatest.
“We firmly believe that philanthropy is a powerful driver of change, and we want to empower our community to take an active part in this movement of solidarity,” concluded Nicolas Jobin, co-founder of Jefo Foundation. •
Animal Health Canada Hands Out Award
The Leadership in Collaboration Award was presented to Dr. Egan Brockhoff: Recognized for his sustained leadership in bringing together producers, veterinarians, industry, government and researchers, including his national contributions to African swine fever preparedness, biosecurity, emergency preparedness, animal welfare and animal health policy. •
Partners In Progress Charity Golf Tournament
Back on July 23, 2026, Topigs Norsvin Canada proudly hosted the second annual Partners in Progress Charity Golf Tournament in support of Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation at the beautiful 27-hole Quarry Oaks Golf Course in Steinbach, Manitoba. The event was met with perfect golfing weather, as participants enjoyed a sunny day on the course while supporting an important cause.
The tournament’s success lies in its ability to bring together members of the agriculture industry to network, build relation- ships, and make meaningful impact, Every dollar raised stays in Manitoba and helps Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation provide vital support and services to cancer patients and their families across the province.
This year’s event welcomed more than 170 golfers and was made possible through the generous support of the 24 sponsoring companies. Thanks to the incredible commitment of our sponsors, participants, and volunteers, the tournament raised an incredible $30,000 for Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation.
Topigs Norsvin Canada extends a sincere thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s event. Together, we are making a difference for Manitoba families affected by cancer while strengthening the partnerships that make our industry so exceptional. •
Celebrating 55 Years of Ag Stories
On Wednesday September 16th, was able to listen and participate on a special Webinar Celebrating 55 years of Ag Stories with Harry Siemens. Hosted by Randy Wolgemuth, with the Sunrize Group.
Was great to hear how he got his start into the Ag reporting sector. He, Harry, was even kind enough to share with those on the call how he started writing for PHC some 30 years ago.
Many thanks for all these years of writing for Prairie Hog Country. Look forward to more stories in the years to come.
Harry will be celebrating his 80th birthday October 31st of this year. •
Western Hog Exchange Top 5
The Western Hog Exchange is pleased to share their top 5 report for July/August 2026.
Average Index – 113.82
1st. Alix Farming Co Ltd, 2nd Birch Meadows Colony, 3rd Fairville Colony, 4th Whitesand Farming Co Ltd, and 5th Bently Colony Farming Co Ltd.
Weight Deviation – 7.01 kg
1st Alix Farming Co Ltd, 2nd Whitesand Farming Co Ltd, 3rd Birch Meadows Colony, 4th Fairville Colony and 5th Bently Colony Farming Co Ltd.
Index in Core – 87%
1st Whitesand Farming Co Ltd, 2nd Horst Farm Ltd, 3rd Birch Hills Colony, 4th Fairville Colony and 5th Hughenden Colony Barn #1 .
Weight in Core – 90%
1st Whitesand Farming Co Ltd, 2nd Horst Farm Ltd, 3rd Birch Hills Colony, 4th Hughenden Colony Barn #1 and 5th Fairville Colony .
Average Hog Value – $294.22
1st Spruit Farms Ltd, 2nd Alix Farming Co Ltd, 3rd Birch Meadows Colony , 4th Bently Colony Farming Co Ltd and 5th Broekman Hog Farm Ltd.
Average Hog Value Per Kg – $2.78
1st HBC Of Hughenden Colony Barn #2, 2nd Horst Farm Ltd, 3rd Bently Colony Farming Co Ltd, 4th Birch Hills Colony and 5th Alix Farming Co Ltd. •
